CISA Budget and Staffing Cuts Undermine National Cyber Readiness, Officials Warn
The Cyberspace Solarium Commission has reported a significant setback in U.S. federal cybersecurity readiness for the first time since it began tracking reforms in 2020. Factors contributing to this decline include leadership turnover, workforce reductions, and diminishing political commitment.
Established by Congress in 2019, the bipartisan commission aimed to formulate a national strategy to protect the U.S. from substantial cyber threats. Its latest report reveals a concerning regression in federal agencies like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Office of the National Cyber Director. Both entities have faced severe budget cuts and a decrease in cyber diplomacy initiatives during the Trump administration.
According to the report, CISA’s operational effectiveness has been compromised by drastic staffing and budget reductions, impairing its capability to assist frontline operators. The commission recommended that the White House formulate a comprehensive action plan to restore appropriate staffing and budget levels, thereby solidifying CISA’s role as the national coordinator for safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Despite the commission initially outlining 82 recommendations, only 35% have been implemented fully. The report emphasizes a shift from a visionary approach to a pressing call to action for unfinished tasks.
During a recent event hosted by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, commission members urged the administration to enhance the authority of the Office of the National Cyber Director, rejuvenate funding and personnel for cyber diplomacy at the Department of State, and return CISA to its staffing levels prior to January.
Mark Montgomery, a senior director with the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation, voiced his frustration over the staffing reductions at CISA, suggesting that these cuts have severely hindered national cyber defense capabilities. The commission’s 2025 report outlines five critical priorities, calling for the repeal of a lack of formal authority for the National Cyber Director, which hampers effective cybersecurity measures across federal agencies.
Senator Angus King, a co-chair of the commission, highlighted that diminishing support from the federal government has led to a regression in national cyber readiness. The lack of cohesive federal support is resulting in eroded trust among states, which are hesitant to collaborate with Washington on cybersecurity initiatives.
The report serves as a clarion call for renewed focus and investment in cyber resilience, especially as the global threat landscape continues to evolve. Given the recent trends outlined, it is essential for business owners and stakeholders to recognize the implications of federal cybersecurity policies and advocate for necessary reforms to safeguard infrastructures effectively.
